Critical Study Of Paumacariyam

SR No.: 022643
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: K R Chandra
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology and Ahimsa
Publication Year: 1970
Total Pages: 672
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English & Book_Devnagari
File Size: 18 MB

Page 82

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE RĂMA-STORY
53 said to be of sixteen years (24.10.4). The TSP (IV.p.209) and the RPS (p.97) agree with the PCV. The Vasudevahindi follows the VR but the period of exile is mentioned to be of twelve years.
In the Rāmopakhyana the period of Rāma's exile is not referred to in Kaikeyi's demand (277.26), but at the time of Rāma's returning from Larikā fourteen years are mentioned (271.39).
The UP and the MP do not contain any reference to the exile of Rāma.
According to the PCV it is quite clear that Rāma takes a voluntary exile. Kaikeyi cannot be alleged as cruel and wicked. There are many non-Jaina works which have tried to exonerate Kaikeyi from being charged with rascality and impiety by putting forth various reasons.
The Gaudiya and the North-West versions of VR record that Kaikeyi was cursed by a Brahmin, therefore (sāpadoșamohitā) her mind became perverted and she trusted the words of Mantharā (Bulcke,p.324).
In the Pratimă Națaka it is said that Kaikeyi demanded coronation for Bharata for she wanted to keep up the promise of Dasaratha (mahārassa saccavaanam rakkhantie III. 18f) Further it is said that she exiled Rāma to make true the curse of a Maharși (Andhakamuni) and while asking for fourteen days' exile, unconsciously fourteen years' period was demanded by her. She says to Bharata that whatever she has done, is with the prior consent of Vaśiştha and Vamadeva (VI.151 ). In the Mahāvīracarita, Śūrpanakhā in the disguise of Manthara, goes to Mithilā on the occasion of the 'svayamvara' of Sītā and hands over Dasaratha a letter from Kaikeyi, really a forged letter, demanding (IV.14) crown for Bharata and exile for Rāma. The Anargharāghava tells the same story (IV.14-15; IV.66). According to the Balarāmāyana 6.5-11), Daśaratha and Kaikeyi had gone to meet Indra. Finding the opportunity, Māyāmaya, Surpanakhā and a maid-servant in the disguises of Dasaratha, Kaikeyi and Mantharā respectively go to Ayodhyā and banish Rāma. The Mahā Nātāka? tells us that the arrival of the new bride i. e. Sītā was found to be inauspicious (3.5f), hence Kaikeyi demanded exile of Rāma along with Sītă and Lakşmaņa and demanded throne for Bharata.
In the Adhyātmarāmāyaṇa (2.2.44-46) it is said that the gods and goddesses sent Sarasvati to Ayodhyā for perverting the minds of Manthară and Kaikeyi. The Ananda Rāmāyaṇa (8.2.56) and the
1. The recension of Madhusūdana Miśra.